Sensational Shaun Murphy sets new world record in swashbuckling China Open win

Murphy whitewashed qualifier Matthew Selt, 6-0, on Sunday in the £1.2 million ranking event in the Far East, in the process compiling four century breaks in consecutive frames, and amassing 607 unanswered points - a new record sequence for a professional snooker match.

The sensational scoring streak from ‘The Magician’ broke the previous benchmark of 556 set by Ronnie O’Sullivan during his 6-0 win over Ricky Walden in the quarter-finals of the 2014 Masters at the Alexandra Palace in London over 12 years ago.

World number six Murphy claimed the opening frame against Selt with the help of a 61 before going on his barmy run of tons.

Breaks of 132, 103 and 139 took reigning British Open champion Murphy to the mid-session interval 4-0 up; Selt didn’t score a single point throughout the entire mini-session.

The interval did nothing to change Selt’s fortunes or disrupt Murphy's momentum as the recent World Championship finalist fashioned a 113 in frame five - a maximum attempt that was curtailed when he missed a tricky thin cut on the 15th black.

This contribution in itself equalled the existing record for most consecutive centuries in a top-flight match - four - a brilliant break-building feat that he had already achieved earlier in his career.

By this point, Murphy had already created a new record for unanswered points, but he pushed the boundaries even further by getting in first in frame six with an effort of 41 before playing safe.

World number 44 Selt then finally ended the unprecedented sequence by scoring his first points of the tie, although Murphy later won the frame with a 55 to record a memorable whitewash victory and tee up a last 16 meeting with Xiao Guodong.

To view the full draw, results, schedule, and other information from the 2026 China Open snooker ranking event, visit our tournament information centre here.